Customer Reviews

Mr Hollywood Jr (Bonus CD) (Dig)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own the original release of "Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947," and if you've read my review of that album, you know what a big fan I am of Michael Penn's work and of this album in particular. This remastered version makes a great thing even better.

The second disc is also full of gems recorded live during Michael Penn's September 2005 appearance on KCRW's radio show "Morning Becomes Eclectic." Pared down to elegant simplicity, the live versions of these songs are not to be missed. My personal favorite on this disc is his poignant "I Can Tell," which takes on a completely different character than the version released on the album "Resigned."

The KCRW recordings were not included with the original release of "Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947," so in and of themselves they make this album worth having, even if you already own the original. The remastered album itself is just the icing on the cake.

Looking for well constructed songs with melodical & lyrical hooks? This is it! I cant say enough good things about this album! Michael Penn's albums just keep getting better and better as he goes.. This CD has all the trimmings and musicianship to keep you coming back for numerous listens!

Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. With the added disk of live(acoustic) material you can hear Michael raw and in top form! This without a doubt the best CD I have bought in the past 10 years!

Michael Penn is a ridiculously underrated talent. "Mr Hollywood Jr." is not his best record; that would be "Resigned". But it's awfully good. Penn does not hide his affection for The Beatles; it permeates everything he does. But Penn has some real rock muscle, combined with pop sensibilities. That's a rare combination and Penn has mastered it, here.

I am completely entranced by the new direction in which Michael is moving. If you liked mp4, you might be surprised at the differences. I think that he is an artist who knows what sound he wants to achieve, and keeps working his way toward perfecting it. I would recommend this to any lover of great songcraft (and I want to marry Aimee [sorry Michael]).